"The hour has come."
The token marked "slash" fell to the ground, and two executioners holding sharp knives emerged, their gleaming blades reflecting a harsh light.
The punishment of a thousand cuts, a most brutal torture, had become a symbolic mark. It was unexpected that it would be employed once more today.
A thousand cuts were required to bring about death. Even nine hundred and ninety-nine would not suffice; only with the thousandth cut, precisely into the heart, would true death occur.
Piercing cries of agony resounded. The already weakened man could not bear it and cried out. The pain spread throughout his body, a searing agony that, even after countless reincarnations, would likely remain etched in memory.
The crowd was silent, everyone widening their eyes to gaze upon the contorted figure on the execution platform, a stark reminder to themselves and future generations never to do evil. Justice might not be immediate, but it would arrive, and perhaps death itself would be a thousand cuts...
...
Three months had passed, and Lin'an City had finally regained its prosperity. The shadows of the past had vanished.
Mu Rong Liu Zun had reappointed a group of court officials, injecting new vitality into the Xian Yue Dynasty, making it more vibrant and energetic.
The new Empress had formulated numerous policies concerning military affairs, agriculture, and commerce, elevating the Xian Yue Dynasty to a higher level.
An Ding Feng resumed command of the military, King Nan An took charge of the Ministry of War, Zuo Xiang Mu Hen was reinstated, and the eldest son of the Zhao family, the Minister of the Imperial Stud, Liu Cong Yun, succeeded his father, entering officialdom and fulfilling his late father's regrets.
In Feng Luan Palace, birds sang and flowers bloomed. In the rear garden, the Empress was chatting with her sisters, Mu Qing Zhu and Mu Qing Xiang.
"It is kind of you two sisters to come into the palace to accompany me."
In the three months that had passed, Qing Yao's complexion had become fuller, her skin more radiant. She wore an autumn yellow gown, making her resemble a fairy from the Jade Pond, gracefully emerging from a sea of flowers.
"Your Majesty flatters us."
Mu Qing Zhu, her hand resting on her abdomen, was close to giving birth. Her previously proud and haughty face was now imbued with a maternal glow that enveloped her entire being.
As if remembering something, Mu Qing Zhu turned her head to look at Little Yu Er, who followed behind them. "Princess, may your aunt ask you something?"
Little Yu Er remained silent, her eyes wide, unsure of what this woman intended now.
Mu Qing Zhu smiled and said, "Do you think my belly carries a little brother or a little sister?"
As soon as she spoke, all eyes turned to her. Little Yu Er rolled her eyes, thinking how childish and foolish the question was. It was up to her to decide whether it would be a boy or a girl. However, thinking of her lonely life ahead, she couldn't help but respond.
"It would be better to have a sister; she can keep me company."
"Very well, thanks to the Princess's blessing, I hope for a daughter."
Mu Qing Zhu smiled, her eyes filled with a heartwarming spring. She contentedly touched her belly again. Qing Yao, who had been walking in front, stopped and turned to look at Mu Qing Xiang on her left.
"Second sister, is there anyone you fancy? If you wish, just tell me, and I will definitely ask the Emperor to grant you a marriage."
As soon as Qing Yao finished speaking, Mu Qing Xiang was taken aback. Finally, she smiled and thanked Qing Yao for her kindness.
"Your Majesty, please do not worry, I am fine."
Qing Yao said nothing more, knowing that Mu Qing Xiang still carried scars in her heart. She seemed to have decided not to marry and to live with her parents for the rest of her life.
The group strolled for half a day. Qing Yao felt a bit weak. The late summer sun was still hot, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her face. She gradually found it difficult to walk and motioned for Mo Chou to come forward and support her.
However, before she could speak, her vision went black, and she swayed. Those behind her turned pale with fright and cried out in unison.
"Your Majesty?"
Mo Chou rushed forward and supported Qing Yao. Little Yu Er leaned in front of her, asking anxiously, "What's wrong, Mother Empress?"
Qing Yao leaned on Mo Chou and said softly, "I don't know why, but I've been feeling weak these past few days, and I have no appetite."
"Could she be ill?" Mu Qing Zhu and Mu Qing Xiang immediately became anxious and quickly instructed Mo Chou, who was supporting the Empress, "Quickly, help Her Majesty back to Feng Luan Palace and summon the imperial physician at once."
"Yes."
The group swiftly returned to Feng Luan Palace. Mo Chou ordered someone to fetch the imperial physician and sent another eunuch to inform the Emperor.
The imperial physician arrived soon after. After an examination, he smiled and congratulated Qing Yao, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, you are with child."
"With child?"
Qing Yao blinked in surprise. Was she pregnant again? Thinking back, her period had indeed been absent for a long time, nearly two months now. And she, busy with recent affairs, had completely forgotten about it.
Inside the sleeping quarters, everyone heard the imperial physician's words and became joyous, congratulating her in unison, "Congratulations to Her Majesty!"
"Mm, you may withdraw now."
Qing Yao waved her hand. The imperial physician bowed to leave but then paused, respectfully stating, "Your Majesty, please rest carefully. Frequent exertion is not good for the fetus."
"Mm," Qing Yao nodded, a maternal glow appearing on her face. She unconsciously placed a fair hand on her belly. It was wonderful that there was another child of hers and Liu Zun here.
After the imperial physician left, the Emperor arrived. Seeing the Emperor, Mu Qing Zhu and Mu Qing Xiang quickly offered their greetings and withdrew. Little Yu Er also seized the opportunity to leave, knowing she would not be a third wheel at such a moment.
The Emperor was unaware of Qing Yao's pregnancy. Seeing her leaning listlessly on the couch, a flicker of anxiety crossed his face, his dark eyes rippling with a deep, sea-like concern.
"Yao'er, are you unwell?"
Qing Yao pursed her lips and smiled, as if bathed in spring breeze, and softly replied, "It's nothing, I'm with child."
"With child?" Emperor Xian paused for a moment but quickly reacted. His face lit up, and he extended his hand, tightly grasping Qing Yao's delicate hand, and asked with excitement, "Yao'er is carrying my child."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Qing Yao watched his excited, almost disbelieving expression with amusement and slowly nodded. Emperor Xian's joy surged, and he embraced Qing Yao, his magnetic, husky voice sounding, "This time, I will not miss anything. I will stay by your side."
Qing Yao knew he was referring to the time she was pregnant with Little Yu Er, when he had been absent throughout, making him feel guilty and also guilty towards Little Yu Er.
In truth, she had never blamed him for anything, nor had she complained, because it was her own choice.
"The court is stable now, with the Zuo Xiang in civil affairs and my imperial brother in military matters. I will spend more time with you from now on," Mu Rong Liu Zun said contentedly, holding Qing Yao.
He felt a sense of completeness he had never experienced before. Since his mother's passing, he had kept his heart closed off. He never expected to genuinely accept someone else, and just seeing her by his side filled him with emotion and contentment.
"Mm."
Qing Yao nodded, nestling against his chest, listening to the powerful beat of his heart, and happiness spread through her...